After reading Pathways of Desire in our class I have been researching more about homosexuality and gender in Mexico. I came across something interesting, the Muxes, an example of the third gender in Mexico. The Muxes are born as a man but will normally associate with the female gender.
In the culture of Oaxaca these Muxes are accepted into society by friends and family. In fact it is considered a blessing to have one in the family, the best of both worlds. A man to do the handiwork, a woman to do crafting, etc. There is a saying “Have a son, have him until he marries his wife”, this is not the case, these Muxes will actually stay and take care of their families in old age.
It is believed that these Muxes stem from Aztec and Mayan gods who were both male and female. There is even a festival called Vela de las Intrepedias that is in celebration of the Muxes. This celebration is a safe place or a haven for gay and transgender people.
This also reminds me of our conversation on colonization. How many indigenous cultures had advanced or open sexual mindsets but after colonization became much more strict. It is incredibly ironic.
-Chelsea Cullen
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/09/third-gender-muxes_n_1949638.html